2003 Pontiac Grand Am Logo
Anonymous Posted on Dec 26, 2012

2003 Pontia Grand Am cranks but won't start

Problems started about 2 weeks ago. I would try to start my car but it would take 3 cranks for it to start. Then last week, it finally gave up and failed to start after 10 cranks. I had it towed to a car shop and the mechanic said the fuel pump was dead so he replaced it. Fine. I drove it home and it was ok. Next day, the car was having the exact same problem again! After another 10 cranks, I had it towed home, and then to the same shop the day after. The most disturbing part: the mechanic was able to start the car with only one try and I was like: I was NOT lying!! He didn't know what was wrong but he tried to help so he replaced the fuel pump relay and some other little thing i don't remember. Now I have the car, and it still takes me an average of 3 cranks to start the car. Everyday I worry that the car won't start again like before. The mechanic said the spark plugs were fine. What else could possibly be wrong with the car? Please let me know the scenarios and the ways to identify/exclude them.

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Reynaldo Andico

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  • Pontiac Master 2,431 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 26, 2012
Reynaldo Andico
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You basically had a intermittent problem,If anything it probably was not the fuel pump, In order for the fuel pump to turn on the ECM, needs to see a crank value, of 250 RPM or the fuel pump will not turn on, what gives this it is the crank sensor,The crank sensor does age and when it goes out you can be driving down the freeway and all of a sudden the car stalls,and it doesnt start up,2003 Pontia Grand Am cranks but won't start - 12_26_2012_5_26_02_am.jpg

  • Anonymous Dec 26, 2012

    Thank you for your response. I know nothing about cars but the mechanic said that he hooked some meter to the pump and it showed 0 pressure. That's why he thought the fuel pump was dead.

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  • Posted on Jan 07, 2013
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My 1999 pontiac Grand Am runs hot I have taken it to two shops and both of them change the thermstat one change the pulleys cause they were rubbing on metal and they flush the coolant system out but it still runs hot the termp gage goes to the red mark and the light comes on now it will not start it try's to crank but will not catch

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5 Related Answers

culcat456

  • 36 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 29, 2008

SOURCE: car wont start second time since i bought recently

Hi centi1999.First of all,from what you discribe,it will NOT be you fuel pump.Accually,the problem that you describe is very common.The security system has a problem.The pass-key sensor will most likelt be the problem.You have to replace the key cylinder lock because the sensor is not sold seperatly.Try this,try to start the car,after you turn the key all the way forward,let it go.the key will stay in the run possition as if the car had started.leave it there.It will take about 5 to 10 minutes for the security light stops flashing.Then turn the key back to the off position,remove the key,then try to start the car.This should reset the security system for a while.But,you will have to replace the pass-key sensor to fix the problem.Good luck.

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Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 30, 2008

SOURCE: 1999 pontiac grand prix

Ignition Switch

Anonymous

  • 37 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 29, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 Grand Am GT - RPMS bounce, car jerks and stalls

your gas tank needs flushing out,maybe got gritt inside. carburator needs filter needs cleaning .,possible air leak from gaskets., what about distributor breaking down

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 01, 2009

SOURCE: car tries to start but doesnt, it just spits & sputters

I had the same problem all of these models do, but GM wont recall them. Here is what you do if you have not yet, turn to key to on but don't start the engine all the lights in the dash will go on, when they turn back off see if your security light stays on or blinks. If it does its your Pass Lock security system. You can reprogram it using the key, take the key out then put it back in the ignition move it all the way to ON but don't turn on the engine when the lights in the dash go out turn the key back to the ACC position leave it there for ten minutes the light should turn off after about ten min. then turn the key to the OFF position pull it out about 1/4 of the way then push it in and start it up. If this is the problem you may have to do this any time it does not start up.

mlapres

Mike LaPres

  • 757 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2009

SOURCE: I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Recently put

If you replaced the fuel pump then there is a possibility that during the job then some debris from the tank and/or filter got loose somewhere into the fuel system and is in your lines. It could even be a very tiny speck of gasket material, old or new.

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